Rector's Blog 10/12/18

First blog in a long time, but now that our new website is finally up and running, these will be more regular again in the coming months.

This has been a very busy term indeed, as we look to build on the success of our fantastic SQA results of last session. We now have a much improved whole school tracking and monitoring system in place which enables us to keep a close eye on student progress and to intervene and support as necessary. We have had a number of parents’ nights, and I have been overwhelmed by the positivity of comments from parents and carers as to how our school manages to be so successful and yet so warm and welcoming.

You will hear a lot on the News about schools being “data driven,” with schools encouraged to “dive deep,” and “interrogate the data.” I have to say however that all the data in the world will not make one iota of a difference to a school if we don’t appoint the best staff and nurture an enabling culture which supports the wellbeing and success of all adults and young people. So, in this school whilst we do recognise the importance of data, I would say our success comes from not being data driven per se, but rather being person driven in all we do, in using data to support us all in exceeding our expectations, and thereby enabling us to continue being as successful as we have been year on year.

And talking of appointing the best staff, I chair all appointments panels in school. In recent weeks a number of colleagues have taken up post;

Mr Nelson – Acting Support for Learning Leader

Mr Adrian Moir – permanent Support for Learning teacher

Ms Aileen Swalwell – permanent part time Support for Learning

Ms Erin Cunningham – permanent History teacher

Mr Jamie Horne – temporary PE teacher

Ms Kirsty Haldane – permanent Biology teacher

Mr Norman Zhu – temporary Chemistry teacher

Ms Maxine Burchall – temporary Music teacher

All of the above are wonderful professionals and excellent new members of our team. The future looks very bright indeed for our school with colleagues of this calibre joining us!